Are AI Enhanced Animatronics Coming to Disney Parks? — Patent Filed for New Technology

Frozen Ever After ride in EPCOT at Walt Disney World.

Disney has filed a patent for advancements in animatronic projection technology, which could potentially use AI. Animatronic Projections Patent The patent is titled “Dynamic augmented projected show elements.” It was filed on March 1, 2024, and published on September 4, 2025. The inventors are Alfredo Medina Ayala Jr., Nicholas Daniel Gathany, Jonathan Bogie, Brent Yuzo … Read more

Disney & Universal File New Advanced Ride Patents

Diagram of an amusement ride with multiple arm attachments extending from a central hub, each ending in a passenger seat. Includes labeled parts and a controller box illustration.

Disney and Universal have both published patents for new advanced ride systems featuring more interactive and unique experiences. Details of the patents were first shared by Orlando Business Journal. Disney’s Rider Control System The Disney patent (figure above) is for a “rider-controlled amusement park ride” with a force sensor in the vehicle that guests can … Read more

New Universal Patent Teases Interactive, Customizable Ride

A digital artwork depicting a man in a suit harnessing electricity between two orbs, with various figures and scenes surrounding him in a dark, chaotic setting. Text reads "Artist Conceptual Rendering.

Universal Destinations & Experiences filed a patent for an interactive ride system that would give guests a customized experience. Universal’s Custom Ride System Patent The patent, titled “Choreographed Ride Systems and Methods,” is a continuation of their previous carousel patent. It describes a system that may “adjust a trajectory or traveled course of the ride … Read more

Disney Files Water Flume Patent Hinting at Possible ‘Moana’ Ride

Technical diagram of a sailing vessel with various labeled components and a partially filled sail, designated as FIG. 3B. Arrows and numbers point to specific parts of the vessel, reminiscent of the detailed illustrations found in a Disney water flume ride patent.

Disney has filed a patent for a new two-dimensional guiding system that could change points of view on a water flume ride. The patent’s images hint at a possible “Moana”-inspired ride. Potential ‘Moana’ Water Flume Ride Patent The patent, named “Guided boat with external discrete yaw control,” was filed in 2020 and published in 2024. … Read more

Universal Files New Dynamic Seating Ride Vehicle Patent

Universal Studios Florida archway entrance

Universal Destinations & Experiences filed a new dynamic seating patent that will give guests more control over their ride experience. Universal Dynamic Seating Patent “Attraction System for Amusement Park” is a new patent filed by Universal Destinations & Experiences intended to create a whole new way for guests to experience an attraction. The patent focuses … Read more

New Florida Resident Discover Disney Ticket Announced & More: Daily Recap (3/12/24)

Two new ticket offers announced for Walt Disney World, DisneylandForward proposal crosses major hurdle in Anaheim, and pricing revealed for the reopening of 1900 Park Fare — all this and more in today’s daily recap for Tuesday, March 12, 2024. Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom EPCOT Disney’s Hollywood Studios Walt Disney World Resort Hotels New … Read more

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Opening This Summer & More: Daily Recap (2/13/24)

An opening season announced for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Tiana audio-animatronic revealed, and construction walls redecorated for Mardi Gras — all this and more in today’s daily recap for Tuesday, February 13, 2024. Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom EPCOT Disney’s Hollywood Studios Walt Disney World Resort Hotels New Merchandise Disneyland Resort Entertainment and Media Disney+ The … Read more

Disney Files Patents for Track-Switching Ride System and Walking Robots

Disney has filed two new interesting patents, Orlando Business Journal shared. The first is for a ride system that could easily move ride vehicles from one kind of track to another, while the other involves walking robots. Ride System Patent This image is from the “Transferring a Passenger Compartment Between Ride Systems Using Robotic Tool … Read more

Disney Files Patent for Improved Character Costume Visibility

The Walt Disney Company has filed a patent to improve visibility for performers in character costumes, Orlando Inno shared. Character Costume Visibility Patent The patent is called “Optical Viewfinder for Costume Heads.” It describes — and shows in the above image — a system of lenses within the head of a “fur character” suit. Usually, … Read more

Universal Applies for Augmented Reality Theme Park Ride Patent

Universal Destinations & Experiences have applied for a patent for an augmented reality theme park ride system, Orlando Inno reports. The patent is titled “Augmented Reality System for an Amusement Ride.” It outlines a system with facial and skeletal recognition technology that could add AR elements to an image of a guest. “The augmented-reality animations … Read more

Universal Files Patent for Stunt Safety Improvements at Theme Park Attractions

Universal Studios Florida archway entrance

Universal Destinations & Experiences has filed a patent for improving stunt safety in theme park attractions, Orlando Business Journal shared. The patent is titled “Systems for Reducing High Fall Stunt Injuries When Using an Airbag.” It describes a system that utilizes a platform to determine a performer’s weight before they fall from the elevated platform … Read more

Universal Files Patent for New Safety Restraint System

Universal Destinations & Experiences recently filed a patent for a new and updated safety restraint system, Orlando Business Journal shared. The patent is for the “Support Bar Mounted System and Method of Minimum Close Indication for Ride Vehicle.” It describes a crossbar-shaped restraint and a system that can detect if the restraint has reached its … Read more

Universal Files New Interactive Wand Patents for Character Interaction

Universal Parks & Resorts has filed two more patents to potentially expand the interactive wand experience at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Orlando Business Journal shared the details of the two patents: The goal of the first patent seems to be to improve on the pre-existing system in place for interactive wands at The … Read more